Now that you mention it, yes, and this smell should be detectable at the uncaulked back end of the WC.

On WC removal the relative heights can be checked but I'm not sure how much a wax ring is supposed to be compressed.

". . . so that it compresses just enough to form a good seal without squeezing out into the drainage path and causing an obstruction.
The wax ring should be compressed around 1/2 to 3/4 it's [sic] initial height once installed. "

Over the last couple months I set 3 toilets and never thought to try something new. And cursed every one for making a sticky mess getting the old wax off. It was just force of habit buying the wax. I think the next one I do I will try a fernco if I can find them around.